A WOMAN was left badly bruised and shaken after a vicious attack by a robber who stole her handbag containing £400.

A police spokesman said the 42-year-old woman was walking her dog in a football field between Stanley and Tanfield Lea, known as Oakies field, when she was attacked, at 2pm on Friday.

Her attacker, who is believed to have been responsible for another mugging on Wednesday, March 7, grabbed her handbag and calmly emptied its contents as he punched his victim several times.

The suspect was described as being in his late teens to early 20s and wearing Nike trainers with air bubbles in the heels.

Detective Constable John Beresford said: "The attack was vicious and entirely unnecessary and we cannot rule out the possibility it may have been the same man on both occasions.

"We would ask anyone using the field on those days, who may have seen anything to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 232144 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111